Automated spectrum exchange system and method

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure describes systems and methods that facilitate the transfer of rights associated with spectrum between parties by providing an automated spectrum exchange in which spectrum is a tradable commodity. In one embodiment, data is received from a spectrum holder that defines a spectrum offering by frequency, time, and geographic area to identify available spectrum from the holder. A spectrum query that defines aspects of spectrum being sought by a spectrum user is also received and matched to one or more spectrum offerings. A transactional process is hosted by receiving a bid or rebid from the spectrum user for a matched spectrum offering and receiving a counteroffer from the spectrum holder that posted the matched spectrum offering. Each spectrum offering, bid, rebid, and counteroffer specifies price, frequency, time, and geographic area information in a standardized format. As a result, the automated spectrum exchange allows parties to market, locate, and transfer spectrum use rights with relative ease, faster transaction time, and lower expense.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technology of the present disclosure relates generally to wirelesscommunications infrastructure and, more particularly, to an automatedspectrum exchange system and method for transferring spectrum userights.

BACKGROUND

Wireless networks and systems are becoming increasingly popular. But thedeployment of wireless communications infrastructure is constrained dueto a lack of available, interference free spectrum that may be used forreliable communications within a geographic area.

To enhance the availability and reliability of interference freespectrum, procedures that are governed by regulatory agencies (e.g., theFederal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States) have beendeveloped for allocating and governing spectrum use. In the U.S., forexample, the FCC licenses spectrum in a primary spectrum market toCommission licensees.

A secondary market exists for the Commission licensees to subleasespectrum for use by other parties. Conventional secondary market leasesinvolve the wholesaling of a spectrum holder's spectrum to anotherparty. This is a one party to one party transaction in which use rightsfor an entire monolithic block of spectrum are “manually” transferred.These transfers have high overhead and transaction costs because theyinvolve significant effort by an individual(s) to seek a buyer or sellerof spectrum rights, analyze spectrum suitability, and file compliancedocumentation once a transaction is made. Also, the current secondarymarket for licensed spectrum lacks the technology to accommodatecomplicated transactions involving the transfer of only a portion of acommission license's use rights in terms of geographic area, durationand/or frequency.

SUMMARY

To facilitate the transfer of spectrum use rights in the secondarymarket for licensed spectrum, the present disclosure describes systemsand methods for creating an automated spectrum exchange where licensedspectrum is a tradable commodity. Using the spectrum exchange, a holderof licensed spectrum may post an offer to transfer use rights associatedwith a portion of the holder's licensed spectrum. A user seekingspectrum use rights may search the automated spectrum exchange forspectrum offers that match the user's interests in terms of time,geographical area, and/or frequency. If a match is made, the parties maynegotiate a spectrum exchange transaction for the transfer of thematching spectrum by submitting, for example, bids, rebids, andcounteroffers. A graphical user interface may be provided to facilitatethe designation of certain aspects of spectrum, such as geographicalboundaries. Also, the parties may be presented with a graphicalrepresentation of licensed spectrum, existing spectrum usage, and/orcompeting bids in order to help facilitate the transfer of spectrum userights. In this manner, the automated spectrum exchange allows partiesto market, locate, and transfer spectrum use rights with relative ease,faster transaction time, and lower expense.

According to one aspect of the invention, a computer implemented methodof providing an automated spectrum exchange in which spectrum is atradable commodity includes receiving data from a spectrum holder thatdefines a spectrum offering by frequency, time, and geographic area toidentify available spectrum from the holder. The method also includesstoring the spectrum offering in a database as a posting of the spectrumoffering, receiving a spectrum query that defines aspects of spectrumbeing sought by a spectrum user, and matching the spectrum query to oneor more spectrum offerings. The method further includes hosting atransactional process, which includes receiving a bid or rebid from thespectrum user for a matched spectrum offering and receiving acounteroffer from the spectrum holder that posted the matched spectrumoffering. Each spectrum offering, bid, rebid, and counteroffer specifiesprice, frequency, time, and geographic area information in astandardized format.

According to one embodiment of the method, the method further includesidentifying a competing bid for the matched spectrum offering for whichthe bid or rebid is received, wherein the competing bid is submitted bya third party, and alerting the user to the identified competing bid andto price, frequency, time, and geographic area information contained inthe competing bid.

According to one embodiment of the method, the geographic area of thespectrum offering is expressed in a standardized format by associatinguniformly sized and shaped cells with a geographical area serviced bythe automated spectrum exchange, assigning a unique identifier to eachcell, and expressing the geographic area of the spectrum offering interms of the cell identifiers of the cells that correspond to thegeographic area of the spectrum offering.

According to one embodiment of the method, matching the spectrum queryto the matched spectrum offering includes matching a cell identifiercorresponding to a geographic area specified in the spectrum query withat least one cell identifier associated with the matched spectrumoffering.

According to one embodiment of the method, the frequency associated withthe spectrum offering is expressed in a standardized format for eachcell identifier associated with the spectrum offering.

According to one embodiment of the method, the method further includesgraphically displaying a map of the geographic area of the spectrumoffering and displaying the uniformly sized and shaped cells togetherwith the map, and graphically distinguishing cells that are part of thespectrum offering from cells that are not part of the spectrum offering.

According to one embodiment of the method, the method further includes,for a selected cell, displaying a frequency versus time graph thatgraphically represents spectrum usage within the geographical areaassociated with the selected cell, spectrum usage being determined by atleast one of actual spectrum use, an existing transfer of spectrum userights, or a designation by the holder.

According another aspect of the invention, a computer implemented methodof specifying aspects of spectrum in a standardized format includes, fora geographic area serviced by an automated spectrum exchange, sectioningthe geographic area into a plurality of non-overlapping cells that eachrepresent the same unit area and assigning a unique identifier to eachcell. The method also includes, for a frequency condition, assigning acondition value to each cell so as to indicate information aboutspectrum in the geographic area associated with the cell.

According to one embodiment of the method, the method further includes,for a selected cell, displaying a frequency versus time graph thatgraphically represents spectrum usage within the geographical areaassociated with the selected cell, spectrum usage being determined by atleast one of actual spectrum use, an existing transfer of spectrum userights, or a designation by the holder.

According to one embodiment of the method, the condition is spectrumavailability based on use or non-use by a spectrum holder for thespectrum in the geographic area associated with the cell.

According to one embodiment of the method, spectrum use includes atransfer of spectrum use rights to another by the holder.

According to one embodiment of the method, the method further includesgraphically displaying a map of at least part of the geographic area anddisplaying the uniformly sized and shaped cells together with the map,and graphically distinguishing cells that are in use from cells that arenot in use.

According to one embodiment of the method, the condition is whetherspectrum in the cell is offered or not offered as part of a spectrumoffering by a spectrum holder.

According to one embodiment of the method, the method further includesconverting a frequency parameter associated with offered spectrum into afrequency identifier that conforms to a standardized format foridentifying frequency.

According to one embodiment of the method, for each cell associated withthe spectrum offering, the frequency identifier and the cell identifierare expressed together to represent the corresponding two-dimensionalgeographic area and frequency in a standardized form.

According to one embodiment of the method, the method further includesmatching a spectrum query from a spectrum user to the spectrum offering,wherein the spectrum query expresses geography using the cellidentifiers.

According to one embodiment of the method, the method further includesgraphically displaying a map of at least part of the geographic area anddisplaying the uniformly sized and shaped cells together with the map,and graphically distinguishing cells that are part of the spectrumoffering from cells that are not part of the spectrum offering.

According to one embodiment of the method, the condition is whetherspectrum in the cell is desired by a user.

According to one embodiment of the method, the method further includesgraphically displaying a map of at least part of the geographic area anddisplaying the uniformly sized and shaped cells together with the map,and graphically distinguishing cells that are desired by the user fromcells that are not desired by the user.

These and further features will be apparent with reference to thefollowing description and attached drawings. In the description anddrawings, particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed indetail as being indicative of some of the ways in which the principlesof the invention may be employed, but it is understood that theinvention is not limited correspondingly in scope. Rather, the inventionincludes all changes, modifications and equivalents coming within thescope of the claims appended hereto.

Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to oneembodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one ormore other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of thefeatures of the other embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary automated spectrum exchangesystem;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart representing an exemplary method of implementingan automated spectrum exchange system;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of state transitions in an exemplaryspectrum exchange transaction between a spectrum holder and user;

FIGS. 4A-4C depict exemplary maps that a spectrum holder or user may useto designate the geographical boundaries of specific spectrum;

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary frequency-geography grid layer overlaying amap; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic graph of the frequency ranges and time intervalsof existing spectrum leases in a given geographical area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings,wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elementsthroughout. It will be understood that the figures are not necessarilyto scale.

A. Overview A(1). Parties

In this document, described are various entities that may have arelationship to electromagnetic spectrum for use in wirelesscommunications. One entity is a spectrum holder, or simply a holder. Aholder is any entity having the authority to release spectrum use toanother entity by granting the other entity access to the spectrum. Thegranting of access may be a temporary permission to use spectrum that isassociated with the holder. Therefore, the access grant need not be alease or a sublease, as defined by the FCC. The holder may be, but isnot limited to, a government or regulatory agency (e.g., in the UnitedStates, the FCC), a Commission licensee (e.g., in the United States, anentity that has licensed spectrum directly from the FCC in the primaryspectrum market), or a secondary market licensee. The term Commissionlicensee includes a holder that licenses spectrum from an appropriateregulatory entity in places other than the United States.

Another entity is a spectrum user, or simply a user. A spectrum user isany entity or wireless communications system that has a need forspectrum in order to carry out wireless communications. The spectrumuser also may be a holder. A spectrum user may be distinguishable from ahuman operator of a computer-based system. Such a human operator alsomay be referred to as a “user,” but the context of use will suffice todifferentiate a spectrum user from a computer system user.

Another entity is a spectrum broker. A spectrum broker is any entitythat hosts an automated spectrum exchange that matches availablespectrum from holders to the spectrum needs of users. Use rights for thematched spectrum may then be transferred from the holder to the userunder specified parameters, such as time duration, geography,transmission power, spectral mask, etc. Additional description of suchan exchange of spectrum is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/042,543, filed Mar. 5, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

The spectrum broker may be a holder, a user or a third party. In someinstances, the term broker may be used to refer to a device or systemthat hosts a spectrum exchange function and is not to be confused withan entity that owns or operates the corresponding device or system.

Another entity is a spectrum intermediary. The spectrum intermediary mayhost a spectrum exchange and, therefore, may be the same entity as aspectrum broker. In other embodiments, there may be a spectrumintermediary and a spectrum broker. In some embodiments, the spectrumintermediary may be a market maker that acquires spectrum rights from aholder and makes that spectrum available to users. In other embodiments,the spectrum intermediary may be considered an investor or speculatorthat acquires rights from the holder to offer spectrum use rights in thespectrum to others. These use rights may be in the form of immediate orfuture use rights, options, futures, and so forth. Therefore, theintermediary may transfer all or part of its rights to offer spectrumuse rights to another spectrum intermediary or to an actual spectrumuser.

A(2). Wireless Communications Context

Aspects of the disclosed systems and methods are independent of the typeor types of radio devices that may use spectrum. As such, the systemsand methods may be applied in any operational context for wirelesscommunications, and wireless communications are expressly intended toencompass unidirectional signal transmissions (e.g., broadcasting of asignal for receipt by a device without response) and to encompassbidirectional communications where devices engage in the exchange ofsignals. The methods and systems may be applied to dumb and/or cognitiveradio devices. The methods and systems may be applied to licensed orunlicensed spectrum. Furthermore, the methods and systems are generic tomodulation schemes, harmonic considerations, frequency bands or channelsused by the radio devices, the type of data or information that istransmitted, how the radio devices use received information, and othersimilar communications considerations. Thus, the systems and methodshave application in any suitable environment.

A(3). General Considerations

This disclosure describes techniques that facilitate the automatedtransfer of use rights associated with spectrum. As will become moreapparent, the systems and methods allow for the ultimate transfer ofspectrum use rights from a holder (e.g., a Commission licensee) to aspectrum user by making information related to available and neededspectrum accessible to the parties. The systems and methods alsosimplify a transactional process between the parties. Therefore, thetransaction costs and complexity involved in transferring or acquiringspectrum use rights may be fairly low when using the disclosed systemsand/or methods.

In many instances, a holder may be interested in apportioning some ofits spectrum so that the holder may offer a resulting portion ofspectrum to another entity, but the holder may maintain use rights inthe remainder of the spectrum or allow another user to use otherportions of the spectrum. A holder may apportion its spectrum accordingto any combination of geography (referred to as partitioning theholder's spectrum), frequency or channel plan (referred to asdisaggregating the holder's spectrum), and time (referred to astime-slicing the holder's spectrum). For example, a license may bepartitioned into one or more parts along any geographic boundary that isinside the original license area. Identifiable partition areas may be assmall as a single city block (or smaller) or as large as a state orentire national region, as long as each partition fits inside theoriginal license boundary. Disaggregation of licensed spectrum refers tothe situation where a spectrum holder divides up a spectrum license byfrequency or channels. For example, a 10 megahertz (MHz) license couldbe disaggregated into two 5 MHz parts, or ten 1 MHz parts, or any othercombination totaling up to, but not exceeding the entire amount oflicensed frequency. Therefore, using a combination of partitioning,disaggregation, and time-slicing, any part of a spectrum license interms of geography, frequency (or channel) and/or duration may beidentified, and rights associated with that portion of spectrum may beoffered to another entity or reallocated back to the holder.

Similarly, a user may be interested in obtaining use rights in spectrumfor a period of time, in a geographic area and/or for the support ofthroughput that is smaller than the total use rights supported by aholder's entire spectrum holding. These use rights may be acquired byobtaining spectrum use rights that have been apportioned from the largerspectrum holdings of another entity.

Each apportioned segment of spectrum for which access permission may betransferred may be identified by several components, and each componentis defined by one or more variables. Exemplary components include a timewindow, a frequency-based spectral mask, a geography-based emissionmask, and a transmitted power limit. Also, radios operating underspectrum use rights that have been transferred from a holder to a usermay be controlled with a data object known as a spectrum certificate.The spectrum certificate may contain at least one spectrum-relatedvariable under which the radio(s) associated with the spectrum usersystem is to engage in wireless communications. Additional detailsregarding the apportionment of spectrum and the issuance of spectrumcertificates may be found in the above-mentioned U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/042,543, filed Mar. 5, 2008.

The time window for the apportionment of spectrum may be a period oftime that has a starting point given by a date and time and an endingpoint given by a date and time. Alternatively, the time window may be aperiod of time specified by a starting time and a duration. The timewindow may be as short as a second and as long as years.

The frequency-based spectral mask, as is known in the art, may be amathematically defined set of lines applied to levels of radiotransmission. The frequency-based spectral mask is generally intended toreduce interference by limiting excessive radiation at frequenciesoutside a certain bandwidth. Spectral masks often include a centerfrequency and/or a frequency range. Also, spectral masks often includean absolute power component or a relative power component. For anabsolute power component, the frequency-based spectral mask may specifythat transmission beyond a specified frequency range must be below aspecified power value. For a relative power component, thefrequency-based spectral mask may specify that transmission beyond aspecified frequency range must be below a relative power value asdetermined by a function, such as a specified power value below thetotal amount of power being transmitted.

The geography-based emission mask may include a defined geographicalboundary that radios operating in accordance with the emission mask maynot appreciably transmit beyond. The geographical boundary specified bythe geography-based emission mask may be a complex construct thatrelates to a contiguous or non-contiguous area. The amount ofpermissible transmission beyond the geographical boundary may bedetermined in an absolute manner or a relative manner. For an absolutemanner, the geography-based emission mask may specify that transmissionbeyond the boundary must be below a specified power value. For arelative manner, the geography-based emission mask may specify thattransmission beyond the boundary must be below a relative power value asdetermined by a function, such as a specified power value below thetotal amount of power being transmitted. In one embodiment, the functionused for calculating the relative power value may include a distanceparameter so that the relative power value may be calculated as afunction of distance away from the boundary or other geographicalreference.

The geography-based emission mask, alone or in combination with the timewindow, the frequency-based spectral mask, and the transmitted powerlimit, may be established to control an amount of interference that auser system generates with respect to continued operations of thespectrum holder and/or other users.

The transmitted power limit may be a power value that radios operatingin accordance with the transmitted power limit may not exceed. Thetransmitted power limit may be absolute or relative. The transmittedpower limit may be independent of the frequency-based spectral maskand/or the geography-based emission mask. The transmitted power limitmay be expressed as an average power value (e.g., average total power),a peak power value, or similar value. Exemplary transmitted power limitsare 500 milliwatts (mW), one watt (W), 1,000 watts, etc.

B. System Architecture

With reference to FIG. 1, illustrated is a schematic block diagram of acomputer-based system 10 capable of executing computer applications(e.g., software programs). The system 10 may include a computer 12. Thecomputer 12 may be configured to execute a spectrum transfer tool 14 andto store a database 16 that contains data regarding spectrum informationthat is used by the spectrum transfer tool 14.

In one embodiment, the spectrum transfer tool 14 is embodied as one ormore computer programs (e.g., one or more software applicationsincluding compilations of executable code). The computer program(s)and/or database 16 may be stored on a machine (e.g., computer) readablemedium, such as a magnetic, optical, or electronic storage device (e.g.,hard disk, optical disk, flash memory, etc.).

To execute the tool 14, the computer 12 may include one or moreprocessors 18 used to execute instructions that carry out a specifiedlogic routine(s). In addition, the computer 12 may have a memory 20 forstoring data, logic routine instructions, computer programs, files,operating system instructions, and the like. As illustrated, the tool 14and the database 16 may be stored by the memory 20. The memory 20 maycomprise several devices, including volatile and non-volatile memorycomponents. Accordingly, the memory 20 may include, for example, randomaccess memory (RAM) for acting as system memory, read-only memory (ROM),hard disks, floppy disks, optical disks (e.g., CDs and DVDs), tapes,flash devices, and/or other memory components, plus associated drives,players, and/or readers for the memory devices. The processor 18 and thecomponents of the memory 20 may be coupled using a local interface 22.The local interface 22 may be, for example, a data bus with accompanyingcontrol bus, a network, or other subsystem.

The computer 12 may have various video and input/output (I/O) interfaces24 as well as one or more communications interfaces 26. The interfaces24 may be used to operatively couple the computer system 10 to variousperipherals, such as a display 28, a keyboard 30, a mouse 32, otherinput devices, a microphone (not shown), a camera (not shown), a scanner(not shown), a printer (not shown), a speaker (not shown), and so forth.The communications interfaces 26 may include, for example, a modemand/or a network interface card. The communications interfaces 26 mayenable the computer system 10 to send and receive data signals, voicesignals, video signals, and the like to and from other computing devicesvia an external network 34 (e.g., the Internet, a wide area network(WAN), a local area network (LAN), direct data link, or similarsystems). The interface between the computer 12 and any operativelyinterfaced device or network may be wired or wireless.

The memory 20 may store an operating system 36 that is executed by theprocessor 18 to control the allocation and usage of resources in thecomputer 12, as well as provide basic user interface features.Specifically, the operating system 36 controls the allocation and usageof the memory 20, the processing time of the processor 18 dedicated tovarious applications being executed by the processor 18, and theperipheral devices, as well as performing other functionality. In thismanner, the operating system 36 serves as the foundation on whichapplications, such as the tool 14, depend as is generally known by thosewith ordinary skill in the art. The operating system 36 also may controlmuch of the user interface environment presented to a user, such asfeatures of the overall graphical user interface (GUI) for the computer12.

Using the computer 12, a user (e.g., a human operator) may use the tool14 to carry out the functions described herein. In other embodiments,the computer 12 may be configured as a server that executes the tool 14to host the functions for another computer, such as a computer system 38associated with a spectrum holder, a computer system 40 associated witha spectrum user, and/or a computer system 42 associated with a spectrumintermediary. In one embodiment, the computer system 12 may beassociated with a first spectrum intermediary. In this case, thecomputer system 42 may be omitted or the computer system 42 may beassociated with a second spectrum intermediary. The client computersystems 38, 40, and 42 may have a similar architecture to the computer12. For instance, the client computer systems may include a processorconfigured to execute software containing logical instructions thatembody the functions of the client computer systems and a memory tostore such software and related data. For example, the client computersystems each may execute an interface tool 44 that allows the respectivesystems 38, 40 and 42 to interface and share data with the spectrumtransfer tool 14. In one embodiment, the interface tool 44 may be customsoftware. In another embodiment, the tool 14 may host an Internet-stylewebsite and the interface tool 44 may be an Internet browserapplication.

It will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art ofcomputer programming, and specifically in application programming fordata collection, data processing, and/or expert systems, how to programthe computer system 10 to operate and carry out logical functionsassociated with the spectrum transfer tool 14, the database 16, and theinterface tool 44. Accordingly, details as to specific programming codeand database structures have been left out for the sake of brevity.Also, while the tool 14 is executed by a general purpose computingdevice in accordance with a preferred embodiment, such functionalitycould also be carried out via dedicated hardware, firmware, software, orcombinations thereof.

C. Automated Spectrum Exchange System and Method

As indicated, spectrum in the United States and other areas of the worldis licensed to commercial entities by a regulatory authority (e.g., theFCC in the U.S.). However, the present allocation of spectrum isinefficient and fails to meet current demands, leaving portions oflicensed spectrum unused and/or underutilized. For example, licensedspectrum may be unused and/or underutilized during a certain period oftime (e.g., a year, a month, a day, a minute, etc.), in a certaingeographical area (e.g., a state, a city, a zip code, etc.), and/or fora certain frequency range (e.g., 2500 MHz-2506 MHz, etc.). Subsequenttransfers of use rights associated with spectrum leases may be made in asecondary market, but such transfers are generally limited to the entiremonolithic block of spectrum that is licensed to the spectrum holder.Furthermore, the conventional process of transferring spectrum userights is costly, time consuming, and complex. Each spectrum-relatedtransaction involves extensive searching and a complicated verificationprocedure in frequency, geographical, and time dimensions. And certainrules and regulations defined by the regulatory authority must befollowed. Thus, the current secondary market for licensed spectrum failsto provide for the efficient and economical allocation of unused and/orunderutilized spectrum.

The disclosed approach provides a mechanism to automate the transfer ofspectrum use rights. The automated spectrum exchange arrangesapportioned spectrum leases on the basis of frequency range, timeinterval, and geographical area to facilitate the efficient allocationof unused spectrum. The disclosed approach utilizes automated processesto create a spectrum exchange that matches spectrum offers posted byspectrum holders with spectrum queries submitted by spectrum users. Inthe automated spectrum exchange, spectrum is treated as a tradablecommodity that may be acquired by a user through a transactional processwith the spectrum holder. For example, spectrum users may submit bids tocompete for access to spectrum being offered by spectrum holders, andspectrum holders may transfer the offered spectrum to the highestbidder. Furthermore, the disclosed approach facilitates theapportionment of spectrum on the basis of frequency range, geographicalarea, and time interval by providing a graphical representation that maybe used to specify one or more aspects of specific spectrum. As will beappreciated, the disclosed approach allows transactions involving theefficient allocation of unused and/or underutilized licensed spectrum tobe made faster, cheaper, and more precisely.

As an example, suppose that a holder of a spectrum license wishes toapportion unused spectrum covered by their license into severalrelatively small geographic regions (e.g., a zip code) in order to offertemporary access to the apportioned spectrum to one or more users (e.g.,a temporary transfer of spectrum use rights for immediate use by theuser). In this circumstance, pinpointing and apportioning unusedspectrum along spectral, geographical, and temporal dimensions wouldconventionally require a highly manual procedure with high overhead andtransaction costs. In addition, FCC rules would need to be followed tothe extent that the transaction may be undermined due to the time andcost involved in the compliance effort. Furthermore, in order to locateinterested spectrum users, the holder would have to undertake aone-on-one marketing scheme in which the holder seeks out individualusers with spectrum needs that exactly match the holder's spectrumoffer. As a result, the costs and regulatory delay would make anotherwise efficient use of spectrum into an uneconomical and impracticalundertaking.

The disclosed approach addresses the above issues by using, for example,the spectrum transfer tool 14 to create an automated spectrum exchangethat quickly and cost-effectively matches spectrum needs to availablespectrum offers. The spectrum exchange requires minimal information tobe conveyed between the holder and user for the temporary transfer ofspectrum use rights. Via the spectrum exchange, parties may trackhistorical and current data regarding spectrum licenses, spectrum usage,and spectrum access right transfers so that a determination may be madeof what spectrum is being used and where. The holder may have access tofinancial data in terms of how much was paid for previous spectrum usetransfers so as to appropriately price apportioned spectrum. Users mayhave access to the same historical price data.

Through the execution of the spectrum transfer tool 14, computertechnology is leveraged to facilitate the creation of an automatedspectrum exchange. For example, an exchange transaction process may takeplace using the spectrum transfer tool 14, which may be made availableto holders, users, and/or intermediaries by a spectrum broker.

In the following paragraphs, automated processes that support theestablishment of an automated spectrum exchange in accordance with thedisclosed approach will be described. In particular, a description ofhow a spectrum holder and a spectrum user interact with the spectrumtransfer tool 14 and the functions of the spectrum transfer tool 14 willbe provided. This will be followed by a description of the transactionalprocess that may occur between parties involved in a spectrum exchangetransaction. There will also be a description of how the spectrumtransfer tool 14 may be used to define a geographical area of specificspectrum and graphically represent spectrum usage in the definedgeographical area.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary logical flow of steps that may be usedto support the establishment of an automated spectrum exchange accordingto the disclosed approach. This process may start in block 50 where thespectrum transfer tool 14 receives spectrum information from a spectrumlicense holder. The holder may provide information about spectrum thatthe holder wants to make available for transfer as a spectrum offeringusing the spectrum exchange. The spectrum offering may encompass aholder's entire licensed area. Or the spectrum offering may cover only aportion of the holder's licensed area. Alternatively, the holder mayprovide information about spectrum that the holder wants to “reserve”(e.g., make unavailable for transfer). For example, a portion of theholder's licensed area may be designated for use by the holder or mayhave been previously transferred to another user.

The spectrum information provided by the holder may be entered into thespectrum transfer tool 14 through the interface tool 44 of the holdercomputer system 38. These tools 14, 44 may establish a graphical userinterface that allows the holder to quickly and efficiently definedesired aspects of specific spectrum (see, e.g., the discussion of FIGS.4-5 below). Aspects of spectrum specified by the received informationmay include frequency range or channel plan, geographical area, timeinterval, spectral mask, initial asking price, reserve price, holderidentifier, offering type, etc.

If a holder is new to the spectrum exchange (e.g., is not a registeredmember), the holder may be asked to complete a member registrationprocess using, for example, the spectrum transfer tool 14. Theregistration process may include verification of the holder's identityand current FCC licenses. After passing verification, the holder may usethe spectrum transfer tool 14 to define aspects of the holder's licensedspectrum. For example, the holder may designate the location of theholder's licensed spectrum using the spectrum transfer tool 14, asdescribed below in relation to FIGS. 4-5. Once the holder's entirelicensed spectrum has been defined, the holder may select a portion oflicensed spectrum to “post” or “list” as an spectrum offering on thespectrum exchange using the spectrum transfer tool 14, as describedherein. Additional details regarding spectrum holder registration may befound in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/327,912, filed Dec. 4,2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

The logical flow may then proceed to block 52 where the spectrumtransfer tool 14 stores the information received from the holder. Forexample, the information regarding a spectrum offering may be stored ina spectrum offering database that stores all spectrum offerings thathave been “posted” (also referred to as “listed”) on the spectrumexchange. A spectrum offering is considered to have been “posted” or“listed” on the spectrum exchange once the information is stored in thespectrum offering database and made available for search by a spectrumuser, as discussed below. In one embodiment, the spectrum offeringdatabase may be included in database 16.

In block 54, the spectrum transfer tool 14 receives a query from aspectrum user that is interested in searching the spectrum exchange forspecific spectrum. Queries also may be submitted by a spectrumintermediary, but the following logical flow will be described in theexemplary context of a user that seeks spectrum. The spectrum query iscomprised of search criteria that specify one or more aspects ofspectrum. The spectrum aspects specified by the search criteria mayinclude, for example, frequency range or channel plan, geographicalarea, time interval, application and desired throughput, or anycombination thereof. The user's spectrum query may be entered into thespectrum transfer tool 14 through the interface tool 44 of the usercomputer system 40. The tools 14, 44 may establish a graphical userinterface similar to that used by the holder, as discussed above. Thespectrum query may be stored in a spectrum demand database. In oneembodiment, the spectrum demand database may be included in database 16.

Next, in block 56 the spectrum transfer tool 14 may search, for example,the spectrum offering database for spectrum offerings that match thereceived spectrum query. The spectrum transfer tool 14 may include amatching engine for comparing the spectrum queries and the spectrumofferings based on, for example, a geographical area, an upperfrequency, a lower frequency, a center frequency, a start time, an endtime, an application type, an FCC part number, or any combinationthereof.

For example, a user may specify a desired geographical area, but may notspecify a frequency range of the desired spectrum. A search of thespectrum offering database based on the specified criteria will returnany spectrum offering, regardless of the pertinent frequency range,within the user-specified geographical area. In one embodiment, thematching engine may compare the geographical aspects of a spectrum queryand a spectrum offering based on unique grid identifiers. As describedbelow with reference to FIG. 5, the spectrum transfer tool 14 may beused to uniformly partition a larger geographical region into aplurality of grid cells. A party may specify a geographical area ofinterest by selecting one or more corresponding grid cells. Each gridcell is assigned a unique grid identifier, or GID, which may have, forexample, a numerical value. This way, the GID transforms geographicalinformation into a standard format, which allows for easy comparison ofa spectrum offering and a spectrum query based on geographical area. Forexample, for a search based on geographical area, the matching enginemay search the spectrum offering database for a spectrum offering thathas the same GID as specified by the search criteria.

In another example, a user may specify a geographical area and afrequency range of desired spectrum. A search of the spectrum offeringdatabase based on these criteria will return any spectrum offering inthe specified geographic area that matches the specified frequencyrange. In one embodiment, the matching engine may compare a spectrumquery to spectrum offerings based on frequency-geography identifiers(FGIDs). As described below with reference to FIG. 5, an FGID representsfrequency and geography information in a standard format. The spectrumtransfer tool 14 may assign an FGID to each spectrum offering andspectrum query, so that the frequency and geography information may bematched in an easy manner. For example, where a user's spectrum queryspecifies geographical area and frequency range, the matching engine maysearch the spectrum offering database for spectrum offerings that havean FGID that is the same as the FGID assigned to the spectrum query.

The matching engine also may be configured to match the spectrum queryto spectrum offerings based on other criteria, such as application typeand desired throughput, FCC part number, and/or specific radio equipmentof the user. For example, the matching engine may search for offeredspectrum that may be used to implement the type of application specifiedby the search criteria, considering the appropriate regulatoryrequirements. For instance, the user may specify a geographical area anduse information, together with an amount of desired throughput. Useinformation may be in the form of a type of wireless communicationapplication, such as cellular telephone service, WiFi, WiMax, privatewireless LAN, two way radio service, etc. Other exemplary forms of useinformation include an FCC part number and/or specific radio equipment.The spectrum transfer tool may translate the specified use informationinto corresponding frequency values that may satisfy the planned use.These values and the specified geographical area may be matched againstthe spectrum offerings. In another approach, the frequency of spectrumassociated with the offerings may be translated into a predetermined setof classification values and the specified use information may beclassified using the same classification values. Then, matching may bemade by matching classification values and other considerations, such astime and/or geography. In these approaches, matching is made byeffectively comparing the frequency and bandwidth needs of the user tothe communications support capabilities of the available spectrum.

The matching engine may be configured to operate on an “all or none”basis, where a match is made when each spectrum aspect specified by thesearch criteria is exactly met by corresponding aspects of the spectrumoffering. For example, a match is made when the frequency criteria,geographical area (e.g., GID), and time interval of a spectrum offeringexactly matches the values specified by the search criteria. The “all ornone” option may be a default setting of the matching engine.Alternatively, a party may select the “all or none” option whensubmitting a search.

In one embodiment, a match may also be made when the search criteria arenarrower than the matching aspects of the spectrum offering. That is, amatch may be made when the desired spectrum is included within thespectrum offering's larger geographical area, larger frequency range orcommunications support capabilities, and/or larger time interval. Forexample, when comparing geographical aspects, a match may be made whenthe GID associated with the search criteria matches one of the GIDsspecified by the spectrum offering.

When a user seeks spectrum that falls within a larger spectrum offering,the holder may have the option of refusing to transfer use rights forthe smaller portion of spectrum. For example, if the offered spectrum isin high demand, the holder may benefit financially from waiting for aspectrum user that might desire the entire spectrum offering or a largerportion thereof. In this situation, the holder may refuse to transfer,for example, only one of the ten grid cells included in the spectrumoffering. However, using the below-described spectrum exchangetransactional process (see discussion of FIG. 3), the parties may cometo an agreement regarding price, geographical area, frequency range,time interval, etc. On the other hand, if the spectrum is in low demand,the holder may be eager to transfer use rights for any portion of thelarger spectrum.

In other embodiments, the matching engine may be configured to searchfor a “partial match,” where the spectrum query partially matches aspectrum offering based on one or more aspects of spectrum. In oneembodiment, the matching engine may be configured to search for apartial match when the “all or none” option is turned off. In anotherembodiment, the “all or none” matching requirement may be appliedindividually to each aspect of spectrum, rather than the spectrum queryas a whole. Also, a partial match may be made when a spectrum offeringmatches, exactly or inclusively, the frequency range, the time intervaland/or the geographical region (e.g., FGID) specified by the searchcriteria. That is, a match may be made when there is at least partialoverlap among each considered criterion. As will be appreciated, partialoverlaps for any combination of time, frequency and geography may bemade. As an example, if the user specifies a particular zip code and anoffering is for the entire state in which the zip code is found, a matchfor the geographic region may be made since the user specified area isincluded in the area of the offering. As another example, if the userspecified time is for New Year's Day (e.g., to provide wireless servicesduring a parade) and the time period in the offering is for November 1stto February 28th of the corresponding year, a match may be made. As yetanother example, if the user specified March 1st to May 31st and thetime period in the offering is for November 3rd of the preceding year toApril 15th of the same year, a partial match may be made. The user maybe interested in this partial match to satisfy some of its plannedspectrum use (e.g., from March 1st to April 15th) and may seek otherspectrum to use for the remainder of the time period. The same partialmatching may be made for other criteria, such as geographic area andfrequency.

By returning partial matches based on a user's search criteria, theautomated spectrum exchange promotes the efficient allocation ofspectrum use rights. For example, when an exact match is not made basedon the submitted search criteria, the spectrum transfer tool 14 mayprovide the user with partially matching spectrum offerings that areavailable for the same frequency range but in other geographical areas.The spectrum transfer tool 14 may present these alternatives in the formof a spectrum usage map as described in relation to FIG. 5 below. Basedon the spectrum usage map, the user is able to discern which spectrum isavailable and devise a new query accordingly. For example, the user maysubmit a new query for spectrum within another geographical area butpertaining to the same frequency range as before. In this manner, theautomated spectrum exchange is able to meet the needs of various users.

In the case of a partial match, the spectrum user may select more thanone spectrum offering in order to completely fulfill the user's spectrumneeds. The spectrum exchange allows users to combine different spectrumofferings to meet spectrum needs as long as regulatory compliance ismaintained. Thus, for example, where the matching engine finds aspectrum offering that matches the first half of the time intervalspecified by the search criteria, the matching engine may also find oneor more spectrum offerings that match the second half of the specifiedtime interval.

In block 58, the spectrum transfer tool 14 determines whether one ormore matches have been made. If a positive determination is made inblock 58, the spectrum transfer tool 14 retrieves the informationassociated with each matched spectrum offering and displays the offeringinformation for review by the spectrum user. From among the searchresults, the user may select which spectrum offering to pursue using thetransactional process described below with reference to FIG. 3. If anegative determination is made in block 58, the spectrum transfer tool14 informs the user that no spectrum offerings match the spectrum query.In this instance, the user may choose to revise the current searchcriteria or submit a new query. For example, the user may submit a newquery for spectrum at a different frequency range and/or in a differentgeographical area. As will be appreciated, a user may submit severalunsuccessful spectrum queries before locating a satisfactory spectrumoffering or offerings.

In an alternative embodiment, the user may browse spectrum offeringswithout submitting a query. The user may identify spectrum offering ofinterest and select that offering to attempt to acquire use rights insome or all of the spectrum identified in the offering. In this case,the logical flow may commence from the point of a positive determinationin block 58.

In block 60, the spectrum transfer tool 14 checks to determine whethercurrent spectrum usage and previously arranged spectrum transfersinvolving future spectrum use conflict with the user's ability to usespectrum associated with a matched spectrum offering. For example, thespectrum transfer tool 14 may check a spectrum usage database todetermine whether, for example, the matched spectrum is available fortransfer during the time interval specified by the spectrum query. Aspectrum usage database stores information regarding which portions ofoffered spectrum have been transferred using the spectrum exchange andwhich portions are still available for transfer. When the time intervalof a temporary transfer of spectrum ends, the spectrum usage database isupdated accordingly. For example, an expired transfer may be removedfrom the usage database. Conflicting spectrum usage is found, forexample, if spectrum use rights during the desired time interval havebeen transferred to another user or are reserved by the spectrum holder.Also, the spectrum use database may include knowledge regarding howspectrum is or will be used. The checking of block 60 may include usingthis knowledge to identify potential interference between the current orfuture use of spectrum and the intended use of the matched spectrum.Therefore, the analysis of block 60 may include consideration of theuser's planned use for the spectrum and/or time interval specified inthe spectrum query of block 54. In one embodiment, the spectrum usagedatabase may be included in database 16. Alternatively, the spectrumusage database may be included in the spectrum offering database.

In block 62, the spectrum transfer tool 14 determines whetherconflicting spectrum usage has been found. If a positive determinationis made in block 62, the user is notified that current spectrum usageconflicts with the matched spectrum. At this point, the user may chooseto modify the search criteria and submit a new query, or concentrate onanother matched offering, if present.

In some instances, a user may post a spectrum request if suitablespectrum is not available on the spectrum exchange. In block 64, thespectrum transfer tool 14 may provide a user with the option ofsubmitting a request to which holders may respond by posting a spectrumoffering that would satisfy the request or otherwise make spectrumavailable to the user. Therefore, a request to make spectrum availablemay be used to solicit new spectrum offerings from, for example, aholder of spectrum that can fulfill the spectrum request or a spectrumintermediary that may be able to arrange a match. Requests to makespectrum available may be stored in the spectrum demand database, andmay be made available for viewing by holders, users, and intermediaries.Also, if a holder makes spectrum available by way of an offering thatmatches the request, the spectrum transfer tool 14 may identify thematch and alert the user to the match. For example, the logical flow mayreturn to block 58 and a positive determination may be made.

If a negative determination is made in block 62 (e.g., no conflictingspectrum usage is found), in block 66 the spectrum transfer tool 14 mayprompt the user to enter a transactional process with the holder of thematched spectrum in order to obtain the associated use rights. Exemplarytransactional processes between a holder and a user will be discussed inmore detail in relation to FIG. 3 below.

In block 68, the spectrum transfer tool 14 determines whether use rightsfor the matched spectrum have been successfully transferred to the user.If a negative determination is made in block 68, the spectrum transfertool 14 may re-prompt the user to undergo the transactional process toobtain the matched spectrum's use rights. Alternatively, the logicalflow may end, the user may enter the transactional process for adifferent matching spectrum offering, and/or the user may submit arequest. If a positive determination is made in block 68, the spectrumtransfer tool 14 records the details of the transferred spectrum in thespectrum usage database.

With additional reference to FIG. 3, illustrated is an exemplarytransactional state transition diagram that shows a combination ofpossible transactional activities that may occur between partiesinvolved in a spectrum exchange transaction. When listing a spectrumoffering on the spectrum exchange, the holder may specify whether thespectrum offering is a “make an offer” type offering or an “auction”type offering. For example, in a make-an-offer-type offering, the usermay submit an initial bid and the holder may accept or reject the bid.Alternatively, the holder may make a counteroffer. In an auction-typeoffering, for example, there may be a specific time period during whichthe auction is open and one or more users may submit bids for a spectrumoffering. At the end of the auction time, the highest bidder may acquirethe use rights associated with the auctioned spectrum offering. Thefollowing description of the transactional process encompasses bothtypes of offerings, and reference will be made to any differences intransactional states between the two offering types.

Each spectrum offering, bid, rebid, and counteroffer may include a price(e.g., a total monetary value, a price per megahertz (MHz), a price perpopulation in the associated geographical area, or a combination ofprice determining criteria). The price may be in terms of actualmonetary or economic consideration, or in terms of artificial currency(e.g., as a mechanism to allocate spectrum between competing systems orentities, such as between different military branches, or between clientaccess and backhaul). A spectrum offering may indicate a “reserve price”(e.g., for an auction-type offering) or an “ask price” (e.g., for amake-an-offer-type offering). The reserve or ask price is the lowestprice that the holder may be willing to accept for the transfer of userights. The reserve and/or ask price may remain private at the holder'srequest. Alternatively, the ask price may be provided to users as partof the spectrum offering information.

Each spectrum offering, bid, rebid, or counteroffer may specify aspectsof spectrum, such as geography, frequency, and/or time. For example, thebid, rebid, or counteroffer may be submitted for the entire spectrumoffering or the bid, rebid, or counteroffer may specify only a portionof the offered spectrum based on geography, frequency, and/or time. Forexample, a bid may be made for only half of the geographical areaincluded in a spectrum offering. Through the spectrum exchangetransactional process, the parties may come to an agreement regardingprice, geographical area, frequency range, time interval, etc. Ifchanges are made relative to the original offering, spectrum query,and/or spectrum request, the conflict check of block 60 may be carriedout again to avoid a spectrum transaction that could lead tointerference with existing or future spectrum use or use rights.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, each block represents atransactional state during an exemplary spectrum exchange transaction,and each arrow represents a transition from one state to another as aresult of an action by the user or by the holder. In some circumstances,the holder and/or the user may be replaced with a spectrum intermediary.As indicated, the dashed lines represent user actions, while the solidlines represent holder actions. Rectangular blocks representuser-designated states, and oval blocks represent holder-designatedstates.

A transactional process may begin in an initial bid state 70, where auser has submitted an initial bid for a spectrum offering listed on thespectrum exchange. The spectrum transfer tool 14 may notify thecorresponding spectrum holder that an initial bid has been received andprovide the holder with the details of the bid. For a make-an-offer-typeoffering, upon review of the initial bid, the holder may accept the bid,moving the transaction to an accepted state 72. For an auction-typeoffering, the transaction moves to the accepted state 72 once theauction time has run out and the highest bidder becomes apparent. Afterthe transaction moves to the accepted state 72, the spectrum transfertool 14 may create an invoice for the transaction and notify the userthat payment of the bid price is due. The transaction may transitionfrom the accepted state 72 to a closed state 74 once the user closes thetransaction by paying the bid price.

As will be appreciated, the spectrum holder may participate in severalcompeting transactional processes at once for the same spectrum offeringwhen there are multiple bids for the offering. The competing bids may ormay not have the same contents in terms of price, geographic area,frequency, and time. The holder may only accept one of several competingbids for the spectrum offering, unless the bids have sufficientseparation in terms of geographical area, frequency, and time so as notto relate to the same spectrum or cause interference.

If a competing bid is found, the spectrum transfer tool 14 may notifythe user of the competition and display the competing bid for the user'sreview. In light of the competing bid(s), the user may, for example,decide to modify the initial bid to increase the bid's chances of beingaccepted (e.g., “out-bid” the competition). If the user rebids (e.g.,submits a modified bid for the spectrum offering), the transaction maytransition from the initial bid state 70 to a rebid state 76. Thecompeting bidders may repeat the rebidding process until, for example,there are no competing bids (e.g., a bidder stops rebidding), the holderaccepts a bid, or the auction time ends.

After reviewing all the bids submitted for a spectrum offering, theholder may select one bid to accept or otherwise pursue using thetransactional process. For example, the holder may accept the highestbid if the holder's main interest is financial gain. In some instances,the holder may decide to compromise on the terms of the spectrumoffering. For example, the holder may accept a bid that specifies lessthan the entire offering.

From either the initial bid state 70 or the rebid state 76, thetransaction may move to a declined state 78. The holder may decline aninitial bid or rebid outright if the holder deems the bid to beunacceptable. For example, the holder may decline any bid that is belowthe holder's reserve price or ask price.

For a make-an-offer-type offering, the transaction may move to acounteroffer state 80 if, for example, the holder responds to the user'sinitial bid or rebid with a counteroffer. The holder may change thecounteroffer, for example, before the user responds, as indicated by thearrow that circles back onto the counteroffer state 80. If the useraccepts the holder's counteroffer, the transaction may move to a closedstate 74. Alternatively, the user may choose to rebid in response to theholder's counteroffer, as shown by the arrow from the counteroffer state80 to the rebid state 76. The holder and the user may continuecounteroffering and rebidding back and forth until, for example, theparties agree on a price and the transaction moves to the closed state74.

From the initial bid state 70, the transaction may move to thesuperseded state 82 if the initial bid is superseded by a preempting bidfrom a competing user. For example, a bid is superseded if the holderaccepts a competing bid. Similarly, the transaction may move to thesuperseded state 82 from the rebid state 76. Furthermore, thetransaction may move to the superseded state 82 from the counterofferstate 80 for a make-an-offer-type offering. For example, a counteroffermay be superseded by a preempting bid if the holder accepts a competingbid before the user responds to the counteroffer by closing thetransaction. The spectrum transfer tool 14 may notify a user when theirbid is superseded.

From either the counteroffer state 80 or the accepted state 72 for amake-an-offer-type offering, the transaction may move to a retractedstate 84 if the holder decides to retract a counteroffer or anacceptance, respectively. For example, the holder may decide to retracta counteroffer if a user does not respond to the counteroffer within aset time period. As another example, the holder may decide to retract anacceptance if the user does not close the transaction within a set timeperiod.

As will be appreciated, other transactional activities are possibleduring a spectrum exchange transaction, and the disclosed approach isnot limited to the particular combination of transactional activitiesdepicted in FIG. 3. For example, the holder may have the option ofcanceling the spectrum offering at any point before the accepted state72 of the transactional process. As another example, for amake-an-offer-type offering, the user may have the option of withdrawinga bid at any point before the closed state 74 of the transactionalprocess.

Using the above-described spectrum exchange transaction process, eachspectrum user is able to compete for spectrum use rights by submittingbids and reassessing those bids, if needed, in light of competing bidsand/or counteroffers. And each spectrum holder is able to choose themost desirable bid based on the holder's unique interests. In oneembodiment, spectrum users transparently compete for spectrum offeringswhere competing bids are known to all parties. Therefore, it iscontemplated that spectrum holders are able to secure the mostcompetitive bids for their spectrum offerings. In other embodiments,competing bids may not be known to the other users, or portions of thebids may not be disclosed. In one embodiment, the transactional processmay be open to observation by parties that are not involved in thetransactional process, such as other holders, users, and/or spectrumintermediaries. This provides additional transparency to the process andthe opportunity to pursue opportunities, such as posting an offeringthat may compete with or supplement an existing offering, place acompeting bid, adjust future bidding and offering strategies, etc. Inother embodiments, the transactional process may not be observable bythird parties. In some embodiments, historical price information fromclosed spectrum transactions may be made available to all parties so asto help guide future negotiation for spectrum.

The automated spectrum exchange provides an efficient, time-saving, andcost-effective marketplace for the transfer of spectrum use rights.Holders may be able to derive value from unused or underutilizedspectrum and users may be able to acquire spectrum for a wirelesscommunications application. Furthermore, the exchange of spectrum userights may establish market rates for spectrum that previously were morespeculative in nature. In addition, following the closing of atransaction, the spectrum transfer tool 14 may automatically generatecompliance documentation, electronically file the compliancedocumentation with the FCC or other regulatory body, and submit paymentof regulatory fees associated with the filing. This feature alleviatescompliance burdens on the parties. It is noted that one or both of theholder or the user may be responsible for the regulatory fees, and thenegotiating process may determine who bears the responsibility.Alternatively, the holders and/or the users may agree to pay the fees asa precondition to using the exchange. Additional description ofautomated regulatory compliance may be found in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/327,920, filed Dec. 4, 2008, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment, each offering, counteroffer, bid, and rebid has aunified format in terms of how price, geographic area, frequency, andtime are specified. In this manner, there is little or no variation inhow different holders, users, and spectrum intermediaries interact withone another during transactional processes carried out though thespectrum exchange. As a result, the spectrum exchange hosted by thespectrum transfer tool 14 consistently operates in a uniform,regimented, and predictable manner for all interested parties. Toaddress special circumstances relating to any one of an offer, acounteroffer, a bid, or a rebid, notes or comments may be appended tothe relevant offer, counteroffer, bid, or rebid.

With additional reference to FIGS. 4A through 4C and FIG. 5, illustratedare exemplary maps that may be used to designate the geographicalboundaries of specific spectrum. FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate exemplary mapsthat may be provided by a mapping tool, while FIG. 5 shows an exemplarymap that may be provided by a uniform partitioning tool. In an exemplaryembodiment, the spectrum transfer tool 14 may include the mapping tooland/or the uniform partitioning tool. Alternatively, the mapping tooland/or the uniform partitioning tool may be included in the holdercomputer system 38, the spectrum user computer system 40, and/or theintermediary computer system 42. For example, the interface tool 44 mayinclude the mapping tool and/or the uniform partitioning tool, and thetools 14, 44 may establish a graphical user interface, as describedabove.

The mapping tool facilitates the designation of geographical boundariesof spectrum being offered by spectrum holders and/or sought by spectrumusers. In one embodiment, the mapping tool may allow the parties toselect a desired geographical area by specifying commonly definedgeographical regions. For example, a party may select a geographicregion by designating a country, a state, a county, a city, a zip code,a census block, latitude/longitude coordinates, or any other boundariesas may be delineated by a user. A party also may select a geographicarea based on an FCC delineation or other regulatory delineation. As isknown in the art, the FCC has established multiple, and sometimesoverlapping, categories for dividing the United States into areas orregions for the purpose of assigning area-based spectrum licenses,referred to herein as “FCC defined areas,” such as the Major TradingAreas (MTAs) or the Basic Trading Areas (BTAs). Accordingly, a party mayhave a variety of options for designating a desired spectrum locationbased on pre-defined geographic regions.

In another embodiment, the mapping tool may allow a party to select anarea of interest on the map by drawing a polygon that defines thegeographical boundary of specific spectrum. By using the drawingfunction, a party is able to select a geographical region that, forexample, is smaller than a zip code. As another example, the drawingfunction allows a party to select an unconventional geographical region,such as, for example, one that partially intersects more than one zipcode, city, state, etc. In this manner, the mapping tool allows a partyto delineate an exact spectrum region without being restricted bypre-defined geographic regions.

FIGS. 4A through 4C show exemplary maps 90 that a spectrum holder oruser may use to designate the geographical boundaries of spectrum beingoffered and/or sought, as discussed above. FIG. 4A is an aerial map 90 aof a region corresponding to a portion of central Florida, from which aparty may select a more specific region. For example, in FIG. 4A, themap 90 a shows the county lines in the depicted portion of centralFlorida. A county 92 has been selected and is highlighted on the map 90a. FIG. 4B is a map 90 b that shows a close up of a portion of thecounty 92. Using the map 90 b, a party may further identify thegeographical region of interest. For example, in FIG. 4B, a zip codearea 94 has been selected and is highlighted on the map 90 b. In oneembodiment, a party may specify a geographical region that is smallerthan the zip code area 94 by drawing a polygon over the area ofinterest. For example, in FIG. 4C, an office park 96 has been selectedby drawing a square on the exemplary map 90 c.

In one embodiment, the maps may be satellite images. Other maps, such asstreet maps, combined satellite images and street maps, topologicalmaps, etc. may be used. It will be appreciated that a party may select ageographic area in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, a party mayprogress from a larger regional map through maps of smaller regions, asillustrated in the progression from FIG. 4A to 4C. That is, a party can“zoom” in and out of the maps 90 when defining the geographical area ofinterest. Alternatively, a party may simply select the specificgeographic area of interest without accessing intermediary maps or usinga “zoom” function. In another embodiment, a party may draw a polygon onany sized map to select a specific area of interest. Additionaldescription of a mapping tool that is used to define a geographical areamay be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/256,645, filed Oct.23, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

Once a party has defined a geographic area, the mapping tool may senddata associated with the party's designated geographical boundaries to auniform partitioning tool to create a spectrum usage map. Alternatively,the party may define a geographic area using the uniform partitioningtool by selecting one or more of the below-described grid cells.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary grid layer 100 that is provided by the uniformpartitioning tool. The grid layer 100 may overlay a map (e.g., 90) thatincludes a specified (e.g., defined) geographic area 102. In theillustrated example, the boundaries of the geographic area 102 aredelineated by a rectangle 104 that may have been drawn by a party using,for example, the mapping tool, as discussed above. It will beappreciated that geographic area 102 may be of any shape and may bediscontiguous.

The grid layer 100 uniformly partitions the geographic area 102 intouniform grid cells 106, such that each grid cell represents a portion ofthe geographic area 102 that falls the within the edges of the gridcell. The grid cells 106 created by the uniform partitioning tool mayeach have a unique identifier to provide unique indices to correspondinggeographic areas. The grid layer 100 may be applied to the entiregeographic area for which spectrum may be transferred using the spectrumexchange established by the spectrum transfer tool 14. In that manner,any geographic position or area for which spectrum may be offered,queried, requested, investigated, or exchanged may be identified using astandardized approach. For example, each grid cell may be assigned aunique grid identifier (GID). A GID may be a number, symbol, letters,etc., or any combination thereof. The GID for each grid cell may belisted in the database 16. In one embodiment, the uniform partitioningtool may be implemented using geographical information system (GIS).

Each grid cell (which also may be referred to as a zone) virtuallyrepresents a corresponding section of a geographic area, such as thegeographic area serviced by the automated spectrum exchange throughwhich holders may offer spectrum use rights and users may acquirespectrum use rights. Further, each GID is a value that represents a twodimensional area in a one dimensional manner. Each cell may be similarenough in size and shape so that each cell represents the same unit area(e.g., an acre, 0.75 square miles, 5 square kilometers, or any othersize). In other embodiments, each GID is a value that represents a threedimensional area for use in wireless spectrum planning and rightsexchanging (e.g., to allocate spectrum use rights in a skyscraper). Thecells are preferably non-overlapping, but have boundaries that touchadjacent cells to form a contiguous virtual grid for the correspondinggeographic area.

A spectrum usage map may be provided by the uniform partitioning tool bygraphically presenting spectrum usage in the geographical areasrepresented by each grid cell. For example, in FIG. 5, grid cells 106 aare highlighted to indicate that spectrum at a particular frequency isin use, either by the holder or by a spectrum user that has acquired userights from the holder. Grid cells 106 b are not highlighted, therebyindicating that spectrum at the particular frequency may be availablefor transfer. Thus, a party presented with grid layer 100 is able toeasily identify the spectrum usage situation in geographical area 102and apply this information when using the spectrum exchange. Forexample, when submitting a spectrum query or request, a spectrum usercan specify a geographical area of interest by selecting one or moreavailable grid cells 106 b in the grid layer 100 corresponding to theuser's area of interest 102. Offerings may be constructed in similarmanner. Also, during the transactional process, bids, rebids, andcounteroffers may involve selecting grid cells to define or redefine ageographical area. Alternatively, the user may formulate a search foravailable spectrum by selecting grid cells of interest in the grid layer100. In this case, the search results may be presented to the user bydisplaying only the selected grid cells and highlighting the grid cellsthat are not available for transfer.

The uniform partitioning tool also allows a spectrum holder to easilymanage the holder's licensed spectrum. For example, a holder may use thegrid layer 100 to specify which grid cells 106 correspond to thegeographical areas that are being used or are otherwise unavailable fortransfer. Also, a holder may use the grid layer 100 to specify whichgrid cells 106 correspond to a geographical area being offered fortransfer. Alternatively, the uniform partitioning tool may automaticallypopulate the used or unused status of a grid cell based on knownspectrum use, known lease information, and/or prior spectrum use rightstransfers.

In the exemplary embodiment, the grid cells 106 are shaped as hexagons.According to the disclosed approach, the grid cells 106 are not limitedto any particular type of shape, but preferably, the grid cells shouldbe uniformly shaped. The uniformity of the grid cells may simplifyidentification of geographic areas for use in plotting spectrum use,depicting used and unused spectrum, establishing spectrum offerings,establishing spectrum bids, and/or establishing spectrum requests, andother tasks. Also, the uniform grid cells may assist in pricing spectrumoffers and/or bids. For instance, price may be specified in a monetaryamount (e.g., dollar) per grid cell, monetary amount per grid cell andper population, or monetary amount per grid cell and per megahertz.

The size of the grid cells 106 may be coordinated with the frequency ofspectrum being mapped. For example, the grid cells 106 may be largeenough so that the operation of radio hardware in a grid cell complieswith regulatory requirements and/or avoids interference with other usesof spectrum.

As will be appreciated, spectrum cannot be adequately described by onlyspecifying a geographical area. For example, each geographical area(whether a grid cell created by the uniform partitioning tool or a maparea designated by the mapping tool) may be associated with one or morespectrum leases, where each lease specifies a unique frequency range andtime interval combination. As an example, in a grid cell with anexemplary GID value of 1001, a first spectrum holder may have a leasefor the 2500-2506 megahertz (MHz) channel, while a second spectrumholder may have a lease for the 2506-2512 MHz channel, and a thirdspectrum holder may have a lease for the 2660-2665 MHz channel.Similarly, in the geographical region corresponding to, for example, zipcode area 94 in FIG. 4B, there may be more than 200 spectrum leases.Each of the above-mentioned leases may be for different time periodsand/or frequency ranges. As a result, a spectrum transaction may beconsidered to involve at least four-dimensions (e.g., x and ygeographical coordinates, time interval, and frequency range), makingthe implementation of the disclosed spectrum exchange platform acomplicated endeavor.

To address the complexity of identifying spectrum and making spectrummatches, the spectrum transfer tool 14 may use a frequency-geographyidentifier (FGID) that has a standard format. This way, frequency andgeography for any offering, bid, or request may be formatted in a commonmanner that may be matched to other offerings, bids, and/or requests inan easy manner. In one embodiment, each FGID represents a specificfrequency or frequency range and an identifiable geographical area, suchas a grid cell. Other formats may include a center frequency andbandwidth. An FGID may be a number, symbol, letters, etc., or anycombination thereof. For example, the 2500-2506 MHz channel at grid cellGID 1001 may be represented by an FGID with a value of 1001-2.500-2.506.The FGIDs may be stored in the database 16 and may be used as uniqueindices that assist the retrieval and/or search of spectrum.

As an example, when a holder or user designates a geographical area andrelated spectrum, the data may be converted into an FGID for eachcorresponding grid cell. The frequency component of an FGID may have apredetermined size, such as 1 megahertz (MHz). Therefore, if the holderor user specified frequency in this example is 5 megahertz, there may befive FGIDs for each grid cell, where each FGID identifies a 1 megahertzcomponent of the five megahertz. Also, if the user specifies spectrum asa function of an application, FCC part number, or radio equipment, thefrequency component of the FGID may be determined by translating theprovided information into all frequencies that may satisfy the inputfrom the user. If a wide range of frequencies may satisfy the input, oneor more FGIDs with wildcards may be constructed. For example, if anyfrequency in the range of 2500 MHz to 2599 MHz may be suitable, the FGIDfor the exemplary grid cell having GID value 1001 may be 1001-2.5xx.Therefore, based on FGID comparison, the spectrum transfer tool 14 maymatch spectrum queries to spectrum offerings that are listed in thedatabase 16, as discussed above in connection with block 56 of FIG. 2.

With additional reference to FIG. 6, the spectrum transfer tool 14further simplifies a spectrum transaction by transcribing thefour-dimensions of spectrum into a two-dimensional graphicalrepresentation of spectrum usage based on frequency and time for a givengeographical area. FIG. 6 is an exemplary frequency vs. time graph thatshows spectrum usage for a given geographical area. Each shadedrectangle in FIG. 6 represents a continuous block of spectrum usage thatmay be covered by, for example, a spectrum lease. Once a party selects ageographical area, the spectrum transfer tool 14 may use the frequencyvs. time graph of FIG. 6 to visually present spectrum usage in theselected geographical area. The geographical area may be selected by aparty using, for example, the mapping tool and/or the uniformpartitioning tool, as described above. In one embodiment, the spectrumtransfer tool 14 may convert spectrum use, leases, and/or transfers intoone or more FGIDs in order to facilitate, for example, the retrieval ofand display of spectrum usage maps (e.g., a map similar to the map ofFIG. 5 that is overlaid on a conventional geographic map of the relevantarea) and/or spectrum usage graphs (e.g., a graph similar to FIG. 6) forany geographic area, frequency range, and/or point in time or timerange.

In the example of FIG. 6, the frequency usage is shown for a spectrumrange of f₁ to f₂ for a time window or period of t₁ to t₂. Note that t₁may be the current time, or it may be some designated time in the futureat which a user may desire spectrum rights (or otherwise desire spectrumusage information). Time t₁ and/or t₂ may also be in the past should auser desire historical spectrum usage information. In addition, thefrequencies f₁ and f₂ may define any frequency range about which a usermay desire spectrum usage information.

It can be seen from FIG. 6 that at time t₁, spectrum having a frequencyrange of 6 MHz from f_(a) to f_(b) has been allocated, as well asspectrum having a frequency range of 12 MHz from f_(d) to f₂. Thespectrum from f_(a) to f_(b) has been allocated for a time window fromtime t₁ to t_(d), and the spectrum from f_(d) to f₂ has been allocatedfor a time window from time t₁ to t_(a). As time proceeds from t₁ to t₂,the spectrum usage changes with differing frequency ranges becomingallocated and unallocated during such time period. For example, at timet₁ three frequency ranges are allocated, having frequency ranges f₁ tof_(a), f_(a) to f_(b), and f _(c) to f_(d), respectively. The frequencyrange from f_(d) to f₂ is no longer allocated because its usage expiredat time t_(a).

By providing a visualization of spectrum usage in a given geographicalarea in conjunction with the additional features disclosed above, thedisclosed approach further simplifies a transaction involving spectrumuse rights. As an example, using a frequency vs. time graph as shown inFIG. 6, a user may easily see which time intervals and frequency rangesare occupied by current spectrum usage in a given geographical area andaccordingly tailor a spectrum query or spectrum request. In oneembodiment, when negotiating a spectrum exchange transaction, other bidsthat compete with a user's bid may be presented to the user in the formof a frequency vs. time graph, where, for example, the user's bid andeach of the competing bids are represented by rectangles as shown inFIG. 6. In one embodiment, a party may select a grid cell from a map(e.g., the map of FIG. 5), and an associated frequency usage graph(e.g., the graph of FIG. 6) may be displayed for a specified orautomatically determined frequency range and time range.

The features and functions described in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6may be used for the creation of spectrum offers, queries, and requests.They also may be used for researching current or future spectrum use,leases, and/or transfers of use rights. Historical pricing data forleases and/or transfers of use rights may be displayed. For instance,pricing data may be displayed over each of the blocks of the graph ofFIG. 6 where pricing data is known.

D. Conclusion

Various processes to support the establishment of an automated spectrumexchange have been described. Using the disclosed approach, efficientand productive use of spectrum may be made, while minimizing theprocedural and transactional burdens on spectrum holders and/or spectrumusers.

Although certain embodiments have been shown and described, it isunderstood that equivalents and modifications falling within the scopeof the appended claims will occur to others who are skilled in the artupon the reading and understanding of this specification.

1. A computer implemented method of providing an automated spectrumexchange in which spectrum is a tradable commodity, comprising:receiving data from a spectrum holder that defines a spectrum offeringby frequency, time, and geographic area to identify available spectrumfrom the holder; storing the spectrum offering in a database as aposting of the spectrum offering; receiving a spectrum query thatdefines aspects of spectrum being sought by a spectrum user; matchingthe spectrum query to one or more spectrum offerings; and hosting atransactional process, including: receiving a bid or rebid from thespectrum user for a matched spectrum offering; and receiving acounteroffer from the spectrum holder that posted the matched spectrumoffering; wherein each spectrum offering, bid, rebid, and counterofferspecifies price, frequency, time, and geographic area information in astandardized format.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:identifying a competing bid for the matched spectrum offering for whichthe bid or rebid is received, wherein the competing bid is submitted bya third party; and alerting the user to the identified competing bid andto price, frequency, time, and geographic area information contained inthe competing bid.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the geographic areaof the spectrum offering is expressed in a standardized format by:associating uniformly sized and shaped cells with a geographical areaserviced by the automated spectrum exchange; assigning a uniqueidentifier to each cell; and expressing the geographic area of thespectrum offering in terms of the cell identifiers of the cells thatcorrespond to the geographic area of the spectrum offering.
 4. Themethod of claim 3, wherein matching the spectrum query to the matchedspectrum offering includes matching a cell identifier corresponding to ageographic area specified in the spectrum query with at least one cellidentifier associated with the matched spectrum offering.
 5. The methodof claim 3, wherein the frequency associated with the spectrum offeringis expressed in a standardized format for each cell identifierassociated with the spectrum offering.
 6. The method of claim 3, furthercomprising graphically displaying a map of the geographic area of thespectrum offering and displaying the uniformly sized and shaped cellstogether with the map, and graphically distinguishing cells that arepart of the spectrum offering from cells that are not part of thespectrum offering.
 7. The method of claim 3, further comprising for aselected cell, displaying a frequency versus time graph that graphicallyrepresents spectrum usage within the geographical area associated withthe selected cell, spectrum usage being determined by at least one ofactual spectrum use, an existing transfer of spectrum use rights, or adesignation by the holder.
 8. A computer implemented method ofspecifying aspects of spectrum in a standardized format, comprising: fora geographic area serviced by an automated spectrum exchange, sectioningthe geographic area into a plurality of non-overlapping cells that eachrepresent the same unit area; assigning a unique identifier to eachcell; and for a frequency condition, assigning a condition value to eachcell so as to indicate information about spectrum in the geographic areaassociated with the cell.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprisingfor a selected cell, displaying a frequency versus time graph thatgraphically represents spectrum usage within the geographical areaassociated with the selected cell, spectrum usage being determined by atleast one of actual spectrum use, an existing transfer of spectrum userights, or a designation by the holder.
 10. The method of claim 8,wherein the condition is spectrum availability based on use or non-useby a spectrum holder for the spectrum in the geographic area associatedwith the cell.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein spectrum use includesa transfer of spectrum use rights to another by the holder.
 12. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising graphically displaying a map ofat least part of the geographic area and displaying the uniformly sizedand shaped cells together with the map, and graphically distinguishingcells that are in use from cells that are not in use.
 13. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the condition is whether spectrum in the cell isoffered or not offered as part of a spectrum offering by a spectrumholder.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising converting afrequency parameter associated with offered spectrum into a frequencyidentifier that conforms to a standardized format for identifyingfrequency.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein, for each cell associatedwith the spectrum offering, the frequency identifier and the cellidentifier are expressed together to represent the correspondingtwo-dimensional geographic area and frequency in a standardized form.16. The method of claim 13, further comprising matching a spectrum queryfrom a spectrum user to the spectrum offering, wherein the spectrumquery expresses geography using the cell identifiers.
 17. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising graphically displaying a map of at leastpart of the geographic area and displaying the uniformly sized andshaped cells together with the map, and graphically distinguishing cellsthat are part of the spectrum offering from cells that are not part ofthe spectrum offering.
 18. The method of claim 8, wherein the conditionis whether spectrum in the cell is desired by a user.
 19. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising graphically displaying a map of at leastpart of the geographic area and displaying the uniformly sized andshaped cells together with the map, and graphically distinguishing cellsthat are desired by the user from cells that are not desired by theuser.